Nepal Red Cross Society

Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla Linnaeus, 1758) is a nocturnal, solitary, and highly threatened mammal belonging to the order Pholidota and family Manidae. This study assessed habitat preference, distribution, and major threats to the Chinese pangolin in the Terai and Chure community forests of Morang District, eastern Nepal, to support evidence-based conservation strategies. Field surveys were conducted using a block transect method (900 × 500 m²) whenever burrows or indirect signs were detected. Within each block, a 900 m central transect was established, and five 100 × 100 m² plots were laid at 100 m intervals to record habitat variables. A total of 104 burrows were documented, with 25 located in the Terai and 79 in the Chure region, indicating greater occurrence in the Chure forests. The species showed a clear preference for Shorea robusta-dominated forests. Burrows were frequently associated with specific herb and shrub species and were recorded at elevations ranging from 150 to 1200 m, with the highest density between 600–900 m. Pangolin burrows were most commonly found on slopes of 25°–50°, in areas with moderate canopy cover (25–50%), and predominantly in yellow soil. Ground cover was generally sparse (0–25%). Aspect analysis showed that burrows mainly faced northeast in the Terai and east to southeast in the Chure region. Burrow density decreased with increasing distance from water sources, highlighting the importance of water availability in habitat selection. Conversely, burrow occurrence increased with distance from roads and settlements, indicating sensitivity to anthropogenic disturbance. Interviews and field observations identified illegal hunting, habitat fragmentation, mining activities, and deforestation as major threats to the species in the study area. These findings provide quantitative evidence of habitat preferences and human-induced pressures affecting Chinese pangolins in Morang District. Strengthening law enforcement, promoting community awareness, and implementing sustainable forest management practices are essential to ensure long-term conservation of this critically endangered species.

Mountain treelines are among the most climate-sensitive ecosystems on Earth, yet their fine-scale structural and species level dynamics remain poorly resolved in the Himalayas. In particular, the absence of three-dimensional, crown level measurements have hindered the detection of structural thresholds and species turnover that often precede treeline shifts. To bridge this gap, we introduce UAV LiDAR—applied for the first time in the Hindu Kush Himalayas—to quantify canopy structure and tree species distributions across a steep treeline ecotone in the Manang Valley of central Nepal. High-density UAV-LiDAR data acquired over elevations of 3504–4119 m was used to quantify elevation-dependent changes in canopy stature and cover from a canopy height model derived from the 3D point cloud, while individual tree segmentation and species classification were performed directly on the 3D, height-normalized point cloud at the crown level. Individual trees were delineated using a watershed-based segmentation algorithm while tree species were classified using a random forest model trained on LiDAR-derived structural and intensity metrics, supported by field-validated reference data. Results reveal a sharply defined treeline characterized by an abrupt collapse in canopy height and cover within a narrow ~60–80 m vertical interval. Treeline “threshold” was quantified as a breakpoint elevation from a piecewise model of tree cover versus elevation, and the elevation span over which modeled cover and height distributions rapidly declined from forest values to near-zero. Segmented regression identified a distinct structural breakpoint near 3995 m elevation. Crown-level species predictions aggregated by elevation quantified an ordered turnover in dominance, with Pinus wallichiana most frequent at lower elevations, Abies spectabilis peaking mid-slope, and Betula utilis concentrated near the upper treeline. Species classification achieved high overall accuracy (>85%), although performance varied among taxa, with broadleaf Betula more difficult to discriminate than conifers. These findings underscore UAV LiDAR’s value for resolving sharp ecological thresholds, identifying elevation-driven simplification in forest structure, and bridging observation gaps in remote, rugged mountain ecosystems.

Mushrooms are recognized for their therapeutic qualities in addition to their nutritional value. Numerous substances with therapeutic properties are present even in inedible mushrooms. These substances can be used to make potent medications once they have been refined and examined. The present study aims to explore the biological activities of the extracts of Microporous xanthopus and Phylloporia pectinata , collected from Gulmi District, Nepal. The methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of both species were subjected to phytochemical screening, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant and antibacterial activity. The LC–MS analysis was performed to identify the compounds present in the extract by detecting and analyzing their molecular ion peaks. The TPC (611.89 and 319.16 mg GAE/g) and TFC (57.18 and 142.37 mg QE/g) were found highest in the ethyl acetate extract of P. pectinata and M. xanthopus, respectively. The antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging %) of the methanolic extract and the ethyl acetate extract of M. xanthopus was found to be 41.7% and 21.6%, whereas that for P. pectinata was found to be 78.6% and 55.4%, respectively. Those extracts were found to inhibit the growth of S. aureus, E. coli , and S. typhi . The LC–MS analysis of the extract of P. pectinata showed eight important secondary metabolites present in the extract. These mushrooms, with their rich content of bioactive compounds, demonstrate significant antioxidant and antibacterial properties, indicating their potential for medicinal applications.

The study was conducted with the main purpose of assessing the existing situation of Wild Water Buffalo (Bubalus arnee) in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (KTWR). The Wild Water Buffalo, categorized as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, is restricted to South and Southeast Asia. It is considered one of the most threatened large herbivores in the region due to habitat loss, hybridization with domestic buffaloes, and increasing human disturbances. Nepal’s only population survives in KTWR, which is located in the floodplain of the Koshi River, a dynamic wetland ecosystem providing critical habitat for this species and supporting rich biodiversity. Distribution of Wild Water Buffalo was studied using a random sampling method. To scientifically record their occurrence and habitat use, the reserve was divided into blocks using ArcGIS 10.4, and in each block, two transect lines were recognized. Direct findings, as well as indirect evidence such as footprints, wallows, and dung, were noted to assess distribution and activity patterns. The present study showed that Wild Water Buffaloes were distributed across all designed blocks, with the highest concentrations in the northern site (Block B and Block C) and along the eastern part of the Koshi River. These areas were characterized by open grasslands and wetland mosaics that provide abundant forage, water, and wallowing sites. Seasonal flooding and human activities, including livestock grazing, influenced their distribution. Although the population appears stable within the reserve, its restricted range and dependency on specific habitats make it vulnerable to anthropogenic pressures, highlighting the need for targeted habitat management, monitoring, and conservation interventions to ensure long-term survival.

Background Dengue fever is an arthropod borne viral disease transmitted by bite of infected mosquito Aedes aegypti. Almost half of the world population is in risk of dengue and in Nepal dengue fever is endemic and infection occurs each year in most provinces. Thrombocytopenia is one of the most important complication of dengue fever.This study was aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of thrombocytopenia in children with dengue fever. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted at Nepal Police Hospital by retrospectively reviewing the medical records of children (1 day to 16 years old) diagnosed with dengue fever between April 2023 and April 2025. Data on fever duration, platelet count, dengue serology, and admission status were collected. Ethical approval was obtained, and consecutive sampling was used. Result Out of total 130 cases with dengue fever 27(20.8%) cases had thrombocytopenia. Among 130 cases 73 cases were male and 57 cases were female with gender ratio of 1.2:1. Mean age of presentation was 10.7years (SD ± 4.88). Majority of cases (73.1%) were diagnosed in month of October to December. Among dengue positive cases NS1 antigen was positive in 96.2% cases. Conclusion The prevalence of thrombocytopenia in dengue fever was lower than other studies done in similar setting.

Introduction: Neonatal period is a very vulnerable period of life as it accounts for high morbidity and mortality and most diseases common in neonatal period are preventable. Objective of this study was to analyze the pattern of morbidity and mortality in neonates admitted in NICU of a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A retrospective cross sectional study was conducted in Nepal Police Hospital which included neonates admitted in NICU for a period of 2 years. (Jan 2023-Jan 2025). Data on morbidity and mortality were obtained from medical record. Data were analyzed using SPSS(v20). Results: A total of 165 neonates were admitted in a period of 2 years. There was male preponderance with 63.4% admitted cases being male. Majority of neonates were term (88%) and normal birth weight (76.9%). The most common indication for admission was neonatal sepsis (43.6%) which was followed by neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (29.69%) and perinatal asphyxia (5.4%). Conclusion: Neonatal sepsis was leading cause of admission for neonates in NICU. This can be prevented by improvement in antenatal care, training of human resources and better NICU care.

Internalised racism constitutes an adoption of beliefs about one’s inferiority, weaknesses or shortcomings as a function of racial hierarchy affecting one’s identity and self-worth, thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Internalised racism stems from widely known and discussed institutional racial discrimination, which perpetuates epistemic injustice, social injustice and health inequities in global health. In this article, reflecting on our experiential knowledge from working on global health, we engage with relevant literature to (1) highlight the concepts associated with internalised racism, (2) explore the potential impacts of internalised racism on individuals, organisations and global health and (3) propose strategies to redress and mitigate its impact on global health practice.

Smooth-coated otters are top predators, semi-aquatic carnivores, and keystone species in the aquatic ecosystem, serving as important biological indicators of wetland health. The species, once widespread across the Terai, is now limited to buffer zones and protected areas. This research investigated the habitat selection of smooth-coated otters within the Shuklaphanta wetland landscape, an ecologically significant area in the Western Terai lowland of Nepal. The field survey was conducted using line transects with a length of 200 m in a 600 m long section along the bank of the Chaudhar River and the wetlands. A total of 71 line transects were sampled, 53 in the Chaudhar River and 18 in the wetlands. Of these, 15 transects in the Chaudhar River and 18 in the wetlands revealed signs of the presence of smooth-coated otters. Five habitat variables (canopy cover, water channel width, river bank slope, bank substrate, and human disturbance) play important roles in the presence of otters. The relationship between otter presence and habitat variables was determined using binomial logistic regression. The probability of smooth-coated otter presence increased with an increase in canopy cover, a higher proportion of sand and mud, and wider water channels. In contrast, otter presence decreased with an increase in the Human Disturbance Index and bank slope. However, average depth and water current appeared to have no significant effect on the presence of smooth-coated otters. Regular monitoring of smooth-coated otter habitats and vegetation, along with reducing anthropogenic activities, is urgently needed to conserve the smooth-coated otter and its habitat in the western lowlands of Nepal.

Background: The rural people from different ethnic groups in Nepal possess vast knowledge regarding medicinal plants and their use in the treatment of human ailment. The aim of this study is to record the local’s knowledge about traditional medicine in Bethanchowk Rural Municipality, Central Nepal. Methods: The ethnomedicinal information was collected with the help of door-to-door interviews and focus group discussions using open ended questionnaire with local people and key informants. A linear regression and Spearman correlation were performed to observe the relationship between the age of respondents and the number of plants described by them. The quantitative data were analyzed by informant consensus factor (ICF) and fidelity level (FL). Results: The present study has recorded 227 medicinal plant species under 94 families and 200 genera. The most frequently occurring plants were herbs (n = 103) and leaves (n = 54) as plant parts. There was no significant difference (p = 0.401) in the knowledge of medicinal plants possessed and the number of plants described by the genders. The Spearman correlation (ρ = 0.225) and linear regression justified the weak relationship between the age of the respondents and the number of plants described by them. The ICF value ranged from 0.5 to 0.93, and the highest was observed for gynecological disorder. The FL value ranged from 6.94 to 98.20, with the highest for Ageratina adenophora for bleeding, cuts, and wounds. Conclusion: The traditional medicinal knowledge of local people of Bethanchowk Rural Municipality has been documented in the study. The necessity for such additional documentation and scientific validation of recorded species has been determined by the current investigation. Keywords: Traditional knowledge, ICF, FL, ailments, knowledge transfer